Description
BUYING WOOD ECONOMICALLY
It is simple to say that you cannot just go into the forest and fell a tree. This is prohibited and carries a fine, but gaining access to suitable firewood can prove to be very economical. The best options for getting wood is to buy it from local forest authorities, owners of private forests or to order wood from a provider and have it delivered. Wood can be sourced sawn into transportable pieces ready for the fireplace, or it can be provided in unsawn timber lengths for processing using a chainsaw or large handsaw. Processing your own firewood using a sawhorse, chainsaw or handsaw can prove to be the most economical, getting better rates and also giving you the chance process wood that is free from other sources.
The right tools and good protective clothing?
Whether in the forest or in your garden, you need good tools to cut wood. A quality chainsaw or large blade handsaw is essential depending on the amount of wood to be processed. You will also need fuel, chain oil and ensure to check the tool for general maintenance and tensioning. Additionally a quality splitting axe, splitting wedges and a saw buck sawhorse is essential for processing sawn timber into manageable pieces for the fire. We recommend attending a chainsaw course to give you associated guidance and training when using chainsaws.
Wearing appropriate protective clothing is mandatory and essential. When using a chainsaw the personal protective clothing includes chainsaw protective boots, trousers, gloves, helmet and visor and hearing protection ear muffs. Protective chainsaw clothing is specially fabricated to restrict the chainsaw operating if the fibres are torn from the garment within fractions of a second when it makes contact with the chain. Crucially the special fabric does not offer protection against cut injuries, however it significantly reduces the risk and injury caused. Always wear protective safety equipment and follow manufacturer guidance when using tools and equipment.
Sawing timber
Fresh trunks have to be split into much smaller logs, so that they can dry properly. A log length of around 30cm is ideal. For safe sawing and to reduce damage of the chainsaw chain hitting the floor we recommend always using a Wolfcraft saw buck sawhorse. The timber can be safely stored and raises the height of the wood ready for cutting. The saw buck sawhorse are steady and secure, despite a low weight and compact dimensions when folded they have the capability to hold timber up to 100kg (WC5119000 Compact Saw Buck Sawhorse) and 150kg (WC5121000 Original Portable Saw Buck Sawhorse). A stop bar log clamp protects from timber flying out, securing the clamp with serrated teeth that bite into the wood helping to create a better and safer cutting experience.
Splitting a log
To split wood, you need a solid chopping block made of hardwood. Ideally it should have a diameter of 40cm (minimum) and a heigh of at least 70cm. This block size makes splitting less strenuous on your back allowing you to concentrate on splitting without repeated leaning action. To cleave wood, you need a splitting hammer maul or widened head splitting axe. Position the log on the rear part of the block, this helps to reduce the risk of missing and danger of the axe swinging near your legs and feet. Hold the axe at the end of its handle, swing it in a controlled action and drive it down into the wood striking it slightly off centre. Alternatively, you can use an electric or fuel powered wood splitter.
Storing firewood correctly
The split and shaped wood has to dry properly before it can be used. Choose a protected area for your drying pile, preferably against a wall with a roof overhang. If you have no protected storage area, you can protect your wood with a tarpaulin. Stack the wood in a way that ensures good ventilation. After a period of time the residual moisture should be around 20%, ideal for burning in a fireplace. A wood moisture meter provides accurate reading of wood and is highly recommended. Softwood dries faster, but has a lower fuel value.
